Mild Praise

Mild Praise

R. James

My whispers of acclamation,
Scarcely heard above the madding crowd.
“Hallowed be Thy name” I say.
But I don’t say it very loud.

I’m choking down words of truth.
Frankly, truths I do not want to taste.
“Deliver us from evil,” I say
But I don’t want to change my ways.

A master hand at mild praise,
Rocks and hills will do the crying out.
“On earth as it is in heaven” I say.
But honestly, I have my doubts.

My words aren’t always from the heart,
But praying them, I hope, will make them true.
“Forgive us our debts” I say
And asking that, I rest in You.

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R. James
Poet

Photography by Clay Banks